The story of the Australian Christian Arts (ACA) begins with the journey of Ryan Gilpin, a man whose life has been steeped in ministry and the arts. Raised in the UK by Australian parents who were ministers, Ryan’s upbringing was marked by the pioneering spirit of his family, who started 15 churches throughout the UK and abroad. This foundation of faith and service shaped Ryan’s early years and instilled in him a deep passion for creative expression.
Originally trained as a dancer and in theatre, Ryan’s talents quickly found a home in the creative arts. Ryan led large teams of over 100 volunteers and professionals in both the UK and Australia, producing captivating performances in renowned theatres and large auditoriums. With over 15 years of experience in event management and creative leadership, Ryan has expertly managed and directed everything from set designers and lighting, to costumes, choreographers, musicians, logistics, and front-of-house staff.
His artistic journey also led him to become an accomplished musician, where he had the opportunity to collaborate with top Christian artists and Grammy award-winning songwriters. At the age of 19, Ryan collaborated with the Harrogate Symphony Orchestra, performing songs he wrote and scored with the orchestra at Sheffield City Hall in England. In addition to these achievements, Ryan worked on creating an album with Eliot Kennedy, a renowned producer known for his work with Delta Goodrem and as a songwriter for iconic artists like the Spice Girls and Celine Dion. This collaboration further enriched Ryan’s experience in the music industry, allowing him to blend his creative talents with some very influential figures in contemporary music.
His influence in the Christian songwriting scene has been widespread, with songs he has written being sung in churches around the world. In addition to his artistic accomplishments, Ryan holds a Bachelor of Ministry from Alpha Crucis University College, reflecting his deep commitment to his faith. Ryan also served as a lecturer at C3 College in Sydney, where he taught Music Theory, Worship Leading, and Songwriting at the advanced diploma level, and was the assistant creative minister at the college. In this role, he was instrumental in training and equipping individuals to serve in their local churches around the world.
In 2022, after years of dedication to both ministry and the arts, Ryan felt a new calling from God—to establish the Australian Christian Orchestra (ACO). This vision was born from a desire to create something extraordinary that would glorify God through music and unite believers across the nation. Since its inception, the ACO has already achieved remarkable milestones, including performing for a former Prime Minister, collaborating with Darlene Zschech on the 30-year anniversary release of “Shout to the Lord,” and hosting three sold-out concerts.
The creation of the ACA is a testament to Ryan’s lifelong dedication to ministry and the arts, and it stands as a beacon of excellence and faith in the creative world. Through the ACA, Ryan continues to build on the legacy of his upbringing, offering a platform where artistry and worship come together to inspire and uplift.
Ryan Gilpin's journey as the founder of Australian Christian Arts (ACA) is a testament to the transformative power of combining faith, artistic excellence, and visionary leadership. Born to Australian minister parents in the UK, Ryan's early life was immersed in a dynamic environment of church planting and ministry, where his family established 15 churches across the United Kingdom and beyond. This foundation laid the groundwork for his unique approach to ministry through the creative arts.
His artistic journey began in dance and theatre, where he quickly demonstrated exceptional talent and leadership abilities. Managing teams of over 100 individuals, including both volunteers and professionals, Ryan orchestrated stunning performances in prestigious venues across the UK and Australia. His comprehensive understanding of production elements—from set design and lighting to choreography and music—has been instrumental in creating memorable artistic experiences.
A significant milestone in Ryan's musical career came at age 19 when he collaborated with the Harrogate Symphony Orchestra, performing his original compositions at Sheffield City Hall. This achievement was followed by a notable partnership with Grammy award-winning producer Eliot Kennedy, known for his work with international stars like Delta Goodrem, the Spice Girls, and Celine Dion. This collaboration not only enhanced Ryan's musical expertise but also provided valuable insights into the professional music industry.
Ryan's impact on Christian worship music has been particularly noteworthy, with his compositions being embraced by churches worldwide. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Ministry from Alpha Crucis University College, reflecting his commitment to theological understanding alongside artistic excellence. As a lecturer at C3 College in Sydney, he shared his expertise in Music Theory, Worship Leading, and Songwriting, helping to shape the next generation of worship leaders and musicians.
The establishment of the Australian Christian Orchestra (ACO) in 2022 marked a new chapter in Ryan's ministry. This initiative, born from divine inspiration, has already achieved remarkable success, including performances for a former Prime Minister and a collaboration with renowned worship leader Darlene Zschech for the 30th anniversary of the iconic "Shout to the Lord." The ACO's three sold-out concerts demonstrate the hunger for high-quality Christian artistic expressions in Australia.
The formation of Australian Christian Arts represents the culmination of Ryan's diverse experiences and God-given vision. It serves as a platform where artistic excellence meets spiritual purpose, creating opportunities for Christians in the arts to flourish and impact culture. Under Ryan's leadership, ACA is fostering a community where creativity and faith intersect, producing works that inspire, challenge, and glorify God.
Ryan's approach to leadership combines practical experience with spiritual insight, technical expertise with artistic sensitivity, and professional standards with ministry values. His unique background—spanning church ministry, professional arts, and education—enables him to understand and address the complex needs of Christian artists and arts organizations.
Through ACA, Ryan is working to bridge the gap between the Christian and secular arts communities, demonstrating that excellence in artistry and depth of faith can coexist and enhance each other. His vision extends beyond creating beautiful performances to developing a sustainable ecosystem where Christian artists can thrive professionally while maintaining their spiritual integrity.
As ACA continues to grow under Ryan's guidance, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when artistic excellence is pursued with spiritual purpose. The organisation is becoming a landmark institution in Australia's cultural landscape, proving that Christian art can be both spiritually meaningful and professionally outstanding.
Looking to the future, Ryan's vision for ACA includes expanding its influence across various artistic disciplines, nurturing emerging talent, and creating more opportunities for Christian artists to impact society through their work. Through his leadership, ACA is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of Christian arts in Australia and beyond.